KWL (Know, Want to Know, Learned) Chart
KWL (Know, Want to Know, Learned) Chart
The KWL( Know, Want to Know, Learned) chart is an instructional device that is specifically aimed at promoting active learning by the organization of learners' ideas on a topic. This is a table that consists of three columns which allow the students to recognize what they already know, what they would like to know and finally what they have learned after the completion of their study, thus is critical thinking and reflection.
What are the components of a KWL chart?
The chart is called KWL and it is made up of three sections. First is the 'K' section where students write down what they already know about the subject, the 'W' section where they write down what they want to learn and the 'L' section where they summarize what they have learned about the study. For example, in a KWL chart about the water cycle, a student might write 'evaporation' under 'K', 'how clouds form' under 'W', and 'water turns into vapor' under 'L'.
How can teachers effectively implement the KWL chart in the classroom?
The KWL chart can be implemented by the teachers as the first step to introducing a new topic and directing the students to fill out the 'K' and 'W' sections in the course of a class discussion. Upon finishing the lesson, students then have the chance to come to conclusions about their learning by completing the 'L' section. This technique not only involves students but is also a means for teachers to find out the prior knowledge and get insight into the learning outcomes. For instance, teachers can employ the KWL chart to discover what students know about different ecosystems before beginning a unit on ecosystems.
What are the benefits of using a KWL chart in education?
The KWL diagram not only fosters but also necessitates the active participation, critical thinking, and self-assessment of the students. This instrument aids the students in the systematic charting of their learning targets, in the monitoring of their accomplishments, as well as in the reflection of their understanding about a certain subject. By using the KWL chart for example in the science class, the students are capable of tracking the learning process on subjects like the photosynthesis, thus making the accomplishment of the learning journey more engaging and personal.
Can the KWL chart be adapted for various subjects and grade levels?
The KWL chart is indeed adaptable to various subjects and grades. Beginners in school may employ easy language and drawings but the older ones can build on complex ideas and research. For example, in the history class, a high school student could use a KWL chart for the causes of World War II, mentioning the facts they know, the questions they have about the war, and the conclusions they have drawn based on their research.